Saturday 23 October 2021
“No Corona Denier”
Kimmich explains why he’s not vaccinated
Joshua Kimmich confirms reports that he is not vaccinated against the coronavirus. However, the initiator of the “We kick Corona” campaign is not fundamentally against the vaccination, but still has concerns. The national soccer player is acting against the recommendation of his club FC Bayern.
Football national player Joshua Kimmich has not yet been vaccinated against the corona virus due to “personal concerns”. “Yes, that’s right,” he replied to the relevant question. He had concerns, “especially when it comes to the lack of long-term studies,” said Kimmich after the German record champions Bayern Munich’s 4-0 (2-0) against TSG Hoffenheim on Sky.
Even if he has so far refused a vaccination, he is “aware of his responsibility,” said the 26-year-old: “I adhere to the hygiene measures and get tested every two or three days.” Kimmich also emphasized that he was “not a corona denier or vaccination opponent”. Therefore it is “very possible that I will be vaccinated soon”.
When asked that a vaccination not only protects the vaccinated person, but also their immediate environment, Kimmich replied that he definitely sees this point of criticism and that he could understand and understand it. However, there are “vaccination breakthroughs”. According to consistent studies, it is considered to be proven that a vaccination does not prevent infection in principle, but makes transmission and a severe course of the disease significantly less likely.
At the Munich team, coach Julian Nagelsmann is currently infected with the corona virus despite a double vaccination. Sports director Hasan Salihamidžić had stated before the game against Hoffenheim that FC Bayern “recommends getting vaccinated, just like me personally, in order to enable everyone to have a more normal life, among other things.” However, there is no compulsory vaccination, which is why the decision is ultimately a personal one.
In the interview, Kimmich was also pointed out to a contradiction that his behavior represents to what is on the website of the “We kick Corona” campaign he initiated with Leon Goretzka. There it says: “Each and every one of us can ensure that the coronavirus does not spread any further, but only together can we do our part to improve society.” The 26-year-old then emphasized again that he was aware of his responsibility to comply with the measures and that a vaccination was at least conceivable in the near future.